Chapter 81: Benefits
What the hell is this? Watching a giant leopard’s head suddenly swell to more than ten times its original size, I almost let out a cry as it threatened to fill the cave. Then, I saw its gaping maw opening wide to bite at the Pope.
The Pope stood calmly in place, neither dodging nor avoiding it, as if he were doing nothing at all. However, I seemed to catch sight of tiny dark red stripes flying from around him, landing on the upright leopard’s body, almost like little insects.
“Argh! Argh!” The leopard suddenly let out a piercing scream, rolling onto the ground as its beautiful fur was drenched in fresh blood. Its gigantic head reverted to its original size.
Then, the leopard’s entire body erupted in countless sprays of blood, being blown apart into pieces without even a hint of resistance.
Everyone watching gasped in astonishment, casting wary glances at the Pope, as if they all felt perplexed about how the leopard was killed.
“Now, if anyone still wishes not to participate, you can let me know, and I’ll send you away,” the Pope said pleasantly. Of course, after witnessing the scene just now, no one believed he was genuinely kind-hearted.
Silence fell over the crowd. Seeing the fate of the leopard, no one dared to stand out; at least for now, no one felt confident enough to confront the Pope’s bizarre methods.
“I’d like to ask, is it really dead?” A very poised figure leaned against a stone pillar, arms crossed, one foot raised casually. He didn’t seem too frightened of the Pope.
His question was strange. What does it mean by “really dead”? The leopard was clearly dead before them, its body blown to pieces. Could it still be alive?
“Lavius Tzepeș, my old friend, it’s been a long time,” the Pope unexpectedly responded with a warm smile, while those nearby whispered among themselves, as if this person was quite well-known.
“I don’t consider you a friend, let’s skip to answering my question,” the man referred to as Lavius responded coldly, seeming displeased that the Pope had revealed his name.
“Of course, it’s completely dead. You should not harbor any illusions. I say this for your own good; as a friendly piece of advice, do not allow your curiosity to lead you into trying something here that could get you killed, as your spirit would also die.” The Pope said this with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
“Tch, I thought it was a phantom dream. So, how do we get back?” Lavius continued to ask. This question certainly concerned the safety of most, so everyone turned their gazes to the Pope.
“Of course, since I can gather you all here, I can also send you back. Once I’ve finished explaining everything, I will naturally return all of you,” the Pope replied.
“Benefits.” At that moment, another person hidden in the shadows spoke concisely, implying they wanted to know what benefits they would receive for whatever task was to be done.
“Benefits? Isn’t the arrival of Our Lord the greatest joy for us? What greater benefit could compare?” the Pope proclaimed passionately.
However, looking at those around, although some exhibited ecstatic attitudes, the majority watched with cold indifference. It appeared that they were shrewd and pragmatic people; they wouldn’t set off the falcon until they saw the rabbit.
“Of course, since you are all supporters of our great undertaking and have worked hard over the years, I ought to present you with a welcoming gift.” As the Pope spoke, he waved his hand, and countless dark red bloodlines fanned out from his fingers.
